Steering-wheel lock for motor vehicles



E. SIEGEL STEERING WHEEL LOCK FOR MOTOR VEHICLES Filed Jan. 3, 1922v Alaw Allin BM m A TTORNE YS Patented J une 10, 1924.

UNITED STATES ERNEST SIEG-EL, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.. ASSIGNOR TO AUTO' KONTROL LOCK CORPORA- TION. A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK. Y

STEERING-WHEEL LOCK FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

Application filed January 3, 1922. Serial No. 526,476.

T o all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, ERNEST SIEGEL, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city of New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steering-VVheel Locks for Motor Vehicles, 0i' which the following is a full, clear, and eX act description.

This invention relates to locking devices for motor vehicles for the purpose of preventing their theft or unauthorized use. More particularly, it relates to a locking device which is adapted to prevent relative movement between relatively moving parts of the steering mechanism so as to prevent operation or towing away of the vehicle for any considerable distance. Various locks ot' this type have heretofore been proposed, but have been unsatisfactory, principally because they have been susceptible of tampering or injury by a thief or unauthorized person within a short interval of time in such a manner as to be disabled sufliciently to enable the operation or towing away of the vehicle. .A Jfurther objection to many prior locks has been that changes in the usual construction of the steering wheel or post have been necessary in order to apply the locking device, which greatly increased the vost of equipping the vehicle with the lock and also that the means of attachment of the various locks to the vehicles,\or the vital parts of the locks, .are exposed suf- Hciently to permit of tampering or removal of the lock in order to render it ineffective.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved locking device which may be set to prevent relative movement between two parts of the steering mechanism; which. when in a locked condition, will e'ectively conceal. and protect the attaching means and the operating parts against tampering, in-` ]ury or removal with ordinarily available tools; which is suciently strong and sturdy to be capable of withstanding severe blows or shocks without disablement or removal; which can be readily and easily attached to the common makes of motor vehicles without changes in their steering mechanism; and which is simple, inexpensive and durable in construction. Other o'bjects and advantages wiil be ap arent fromy the'fl# lowing description and the noval'features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in claims.

The nature of the invention will appear from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: v

Fig. l is an elevation of a portion of the steering mechanism of aV motor vehicle to which this invention has been applied; v

Fig. 2 is a section of the improved lock lILaken substantially along the line of iig. 3;

F ig. 3 is a section of the same taken substantially along the line o a of F ig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the same;

Fig. 5 is an inside end elevation of the closure for one of the recesses; and

Fig. 6 is an end elevation of the drical member and spring'cam.VV g

In the illustrated embodiment, the lock is applied between the steering wheel l and the relatively stationary gear box 2 that in certain makes of vehicles is provided upon cylin- Vthe upper end of the steering column. The

steering wheel is provided upon its under face with a flange-like extension 3 which may either be cast upon and form a part of the hub of the steering wheelor may comprise a clamp formed by a flangedo` eupshaped plate 4 having slots 5 in theY flange thereof for the passage ofthe spokes glif the wheel and a plate forming the Yactual flangelike extension which is secured thereto'b'y screws 6 passing through and counter-sunk in the under face of the plate of the flangelike extension 3 and threaded into the abutting ange or rim of the plate 4. A longitudinally and axially split sleeve-likeelement 7 is provided at its lower vendwith internal screw threads 8 to engage and embrace the Vscrewitlreils that are'commonly provided upon the Lipper end of the gear box 2 for theattachment of the cover of the box, the cover of thebox being discarded when this device is attached thereto. The upper end of the split element 7 is provided with a peri heral ange 9 with an inturned periphera edge which rotatively eu'lbraces and overlaps the which are adapt/'ed or slot 35 in the outer end of the cage 21, s0 that the said cage will be given a similar extent of movement. The lost motion connection between the cam and the cylinder 34 by which the reduced ratio ot movement is obtained is well known in the art and per se forms no part of this invention. With this type of lock, the cylinder will be automatically locked against rotation in its casing by the removal of the key and unlocked by its insertion into the cylinder. The rotation of the cylinder' of the lock 3U by an appropriate key. therefore. causes an operation of the cage or cylinder 2l. and its cam through the intermediary of the cam 33. The cylinder 2l, which is preferably in the form of a sleeve and hollow, is provided with two diametrically disposed apertures 36 and 37 which are brought into alignment with the head of the screw 13 and the recess 11 when the cylinder is in unlocked position. These apertures are su'fiiciently large so that when the closure i6 is removed from the recess 11. a socket wrench may be inserted through the recess ll and through the apertures 36 and 3T of the cylinder to engage and operate the head of the screw 13 and tighten or loosen the clamp.

In the application ot the improved lock to a vehicle, the flanged plate 4 is placed over the huh of the wheel with the spokes passing through the notches 5 of the flange and the extension is secured against the lower face of the wheel and to the plate 4 by means ot the screws 6, which pass through the extension and upwardly into the plate 4. The split clamp is passed downwardly over the gear borY while the steering wheel is removed from the steering rod and is temporarily left in that position. After theA steering wheel has been reapplied to the steering rod the sections of the split element 7 are caused to embrace the upper end of the gear box with the internal threads in engagement with the upper threaded end of the box and with the flange portion 9 embracing in rotative engagement the Hangs-like extension 3 of the steering wheel. The split ring clamp is then brought upwardly over the gear box and the hub ot the split element until it abuts against the flange portion of the splitelement.` Before the split ring clamp can be brought upwardly in this: manner, a pin 38 upon the outer peripheral surface of the split elcment must first be brought into alignment with the longitudinally7 extending groove 39 in the inner wall ot the split clamp in order that the apertures 2T and 28 will be in alignment when the parts are assembled. llVith the closure 16 removed. the bolt i3 may be inserted through recess ll and through the apertures 36 and 37 of the cylinder #2l and a socket wrench also passed through the recess 1l and the apertures to engage the head of the screw and thread it 'into the other arm of the clamp to clamp the two free arms of the clamp together and press the sections ot the split element firmly against the peripheral surface of the gear box. Atteithe removal of the socket wrench the closure may be reapplied to the recess 11 and secured in closed position. The rotation of the cylinder 34 will operate the c vlinder 2l and the cam through a half revolution in either direction and thus yieldingly press the locking bolt into or out of locking engagement with the recess 2,9 in the flange-like extension of the steering wheel.

It will be observed that all of the means of attachment of the locking device to the parts of the steering mechanism are eiectively concealed by other parts which are protected by locks. and it is, therefore, impossible to tamper with the device in such a manner as to disable it or render the same ineffective in restricting the steering movements. It is intended that the same key will operate the cylinders of both locks 1.7 and 30 in order to reduce the number ot keys necessary to properly protect the locking device. While the cam 23 might be nonresilient and formed upon the inner end of the cylinder1 it is preferably resilient so as to enable the device to be locked irrespective of the position of the steering wheel with respect to the gear box.

It will be obvious that various changes in thc details and arrangement of the parts may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention and that the device may be applied to the upper end of the steering column of motor vehicles which may or may not be provided with gear boxes.

I claim 1. In a lock for vehicles having steering mechanism with a relatively stationary part, a steering rod, and a wheel carried by the rod. said lock comprising a flange-like extension on the lower tace of said wheel` a split element adapted to embrace the stationary part and also rotatively embrace the extension and prevent separation of said wheel from the element, a clamp device adapted to embrace the split element and firmly sei-.ure it to said stationary part. and locking means carried by the clamp device for preventing loosening of the clamp device and operable to prevent rotation of the wheel and its extension relative to the split element.

2. In a lock for vehicles having steering mechanism with a relativelv stationary part. a steering rod` and a wheel carried by the rod. said lock comprising a Hangelike extension on the lower face of said wheel. a split element adapted to embrace the stationary part and also rotatively ernlill brace the extension and prevent separation of said wheel from the element, a` clamping ringr embracing the split element and itself split at one point to 't'orm a spring clamp, a screw acting between the ends ot the ring to tighten the ring and clamp it to the split. element and clamp the latter to the stationaryv part, the end ot' the ring: with which the head ot' the screw engages having therein a recess through which access is had to the screw to tighten or loosen it, and locking meehanisi'n disposed in said recess and operable to prevent rotation of the wheel relatively to the split element.

3. ln a lock tor vehicles having-steering` mechanism with arelatively stationary part. a steering roel, and a wheel carried by the rod, said lock comprising a flange-like en tension on the lower tace of said wheel, a split element adapted to embrace the stationary part and also rotatively embrace the extension and prevent separation of said wheel from the element. a clamping ringr ein bracing the split element and itself split at one point to form a spring clamp, a screw actingr between the ends ot' the ringV to tighten the ring and clamp it to the split element and clamp the latter to the tional?)T part. the end of the ring` with which the head of the screw engages havinglr therein a recess through which access is had to the screw to tighten or loosen it. a locking i'nember carried b v the ringr and accessible for operation to lock the wheel and its cX- tension against rotation relative to the split element from the interior of the recess, and a locking device disposed in the recess for operating the lockinga member and for controlling aecess to the head of the screw.

4. ln a lock tor vehicles having' steering mechanism with a relativelyY stationaryT element and a` wheel movable relativehY thereto, a clamping ring embracing the stationary element and split at one point to form an integral spring' clamp, a screw acting): between the ends ot the ring to tighten the ring upon the stationarv element. a locking member disposed in said ring.1r operable to a position to prevent rotation of the wheel, and locking mechanism mounted within that end ot' the ring,r with which the head of the screw engages for operating the locking member. A

5. In a lock tor vehicles having' steering mechanism with a relativelv stationarv element and a Wheel movable relativelyv thereto. a clamping ring embracing the stationary element and split at one point to permit adjustment of the clamp. a screw acting between the ends of the ringr to tighten the. ringr upon the stationary element, the end of the ring with which the head of the screw engages having therein a recess and the head of the serenar being accessible for operation from the recess, a cylinder rotatable in said recess and permitting access to the head of the screw when in one rotative positioma lock closing the recess and operable to rotate the c vlinder to either of said positions, and means operated b v the rotation of the cylinder for preventing rotation of the Wheel.

ln a. lock for vehicles having steering mechanism with a relatively stationary element and a wheel movable relatively thereto, a clamping ring embracing the stationar element and split at one point to permit adi justment of the clamp, a screw acting between the ends of the ring for clamping the ring,r upon the stationary element, the end ot the ring with which the head of thescrew engages having therein a recess and the head ol the screw beingaccessible for operation trom the recess, a member rotatable in said recess and permitting access to the head of the screw when in one rotative position, a lock mounted in said recess and operable to rotate the member, means operated by the member for preventing rotation of the Wheel when the member is in one position, said ring haring a second recess communicating with the iirst recess and through which access is )al to the screw head, means accessibie through the second recess for securing the lock within the first recess, a closure VVfor the second recess, and means for lockingsaid closure to the ring to close the second recess.

i'. ln a lock tor vehicles havinr two relatively-moving parts, a clamp embracing and carried by one of the parts, one of ,theV arms ol the clamp having therein two communicating recesses leading from differentn faces, :s screw passing through one of the arms of the clamp, and threaded into the other, the screw being introduced andY accessible for tightening the clamp through one of said recesses. a closure for the last mentioned recess. a locking device for holdingF the ciosure in closed position, locking means carried h v the recessed arm and operable to prevent relative movement of the parts. and locking mechanism disposed in the other of said recesses and controlling said locking means.

8. In a lock for vehicles having two 4relatively moving parts, a clamp embracing and carried b v one of the parts. one. of the arms of the clamp having therein two communieatingT recesses leadingV from different faces, a screw passing through one of the arms of the clamp and threaded into the other. the screw being introduced and accessible for tightening the clamp through o ne of said recesses. a closure for the last mentioned recess. a locking device for holding the Aclosure in closed position, means including a lochingr member carried b v the recessed arm and operable to prevent relative movement of the parts. locking mechanism disposed in thel other of said recesses and controlling said locking means, and means accessible through said one of the recesses when said recess is open for securing the locking mechanism within the other recess.

9. In a lock for vehicles ha ving tivo relatively moving parts, a base member carried by ont` of the parts and having a recess therein, a locking member carried by the base member operative to and troni a position in which it prevents relative movement ot the parts and extending into said recess, a spring cam cooperating with said locking member to yieldingly stress it in either direction, and locking means disposed within and closing the recess and operatingr said spring cam to yieldingly project or retract the locking member.

l0. In a lock for vehicles having two relatively moving parts, a base member carried by one of the parts and having a recess therein, a locking member carried by the base member operative to and from a position in which it prevents relative movement of the parts and extending into the recess, a member rotatively mounted in said recess and carrying an arcuate cam of resilient material that engages with and directly operates the locking member into and ont ot movement preventingr position, and locking means disposed within and closing the recess and adapted to engage and operate said rotative member to cause it to in turn operate the cam.

11. In a lock for Vehicles having two rela.- tively moving parts, a clamp embracing and carried by one of the parts, one of the arms of the clamp having therein two communicating recesses leading from different faces, a screw passing through one of the arms of the clamp and threaded into the other, the screw being introduced and accessible for tightening the clamp through one of said recesses, a closure Jfor the last mentioned recess, a locking device for holding the closure in closed position, a locking member carried Within the recessed arm and operable into and out of a position in which it prevents relative movement of the parts. a cylinder rotatably mounted in the other of said recesses and having therein an aperture adapted during rotation of the cylinder to be brought into alignment with the said one of the recesses and the head of the screw to permit the screw to be inserted or tightened, a cam carried by the cylinder and engaging with said locking member to operate the latter as the cylinder is rotated and a lock disposed within and closing the cylinder containing recess and adapted t-o engage and rot ale the cylinder.

i2. ln a lock for vehicles having two relatively moving parts, a clamp embracing and carried by one oi' the parts, one ot the arms of the clamp having therein two communirating recesses leading i'roin diilierent faces, a sere passing through one of the arms of the clamp and threaded into the other, the screw being introduced and accessible for tightening the clamp through one ot said recesses, a closure for the last mentioned recess, a locking device for holding the closure in closed position. a locking member carried within the recessed arm and operable into and out oi a position in which it prevents relative movement oi" the parts, al cylinder rotatablyA mounted in the other of said recesses and having therein an aperture adapted during rotation of the cylinder to be brought into alignment with the said one of the recesses and the head of the screw to permit the screw to be inserted or tightened, a e-,nn carried by the cylinder and engaging with said locking member to operate the latter as the cylinder is rotated, a lock disposed within and closing the cylinder containing recess and adapted to engage and rotate the cylinder. and means accessible through said one ot' the recesses when saidl recess is open for securing the lock within its recess.

13. In a lock for vehicles having steering mechanism with a relatively stationary part, a steering rod, and a wheel carried by the rod, said loel comprising a flange-like extension on the lower tace ot said wheel, a. split element adapted to embrace the stationary part and also rotatively embrace the eX- fension and prevent separation of said wheel from the element, a clamp embracing the split element and adjustable at one point to enlarge or restrict its opening, a screw acting at the adjustable point to tighten the clamp and secure the split element to the stationary part, the arm of the clamp with which the head ot the screw engages having therein a recess through `which access is had to the screw to tighten or loosen it, and locking mechanism disposed in said recess and operable to prevent rotation of the wheel relatively to the split element.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my signature.

ERNEST SIEGEL. 

